👴👵 Elderly and Seniors Crisis Support: Complete Emergency Help Guide Australia 2025

🚨 If you're an elderly person in immediate danger, call 000 right now. If you're being abused or neglected, call the Elder Abuse Helpline: 1800 353 374

🆘 IMMEDIATE EMERGENCY HELP FOR SENIORS

Senior-Specific Emergency Services

Elder Abuse Helpline: 1800 353 374 (24/7)

• Immediate help for abuse or neglect
• Safety planning
• Legal information
• Referrals to local services
• Crisis intervention

My Aged Care Emergency Line: 1800 200 422

• Urgent aged care needs
• Emergency respite care
• Crisis accommodation for seniors
• Immediate support services

Dementia Australia Helpline: 1800 100 500

• Crisis support for dementia
• Family support and advice
• Emergency respite referrals
• Behaviour management help

When to Call 000 Immediately

Emergency situations for seniors:

• Physical or sexual assault
• Serious medical emergency
• Unable to get up after a fall
• Signs of stroke (face drooping, arm weakness, speech problems)
• Chest pain or breathing difficulties
• Severe confusion or disorientation
• Serious medication reactions

🏥 HEALTH EMERGENCY SUPPORT FOR SENIORS

Aged-Friendly Emergency Departments

Major hospitals with geriatric emergency services:

NSW

• Royal Prince Alfred Hospital (Camperdown): Aged Care Emergency Department
• Prince of Wales Hospital (Randwick): Geriatric Emergency Medicine
• Westmead Hospital: Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment

VIC

• The Alfred Hospital: Aged Care Emergency Service
• Royal Melbourne Hospital: Geriatric Emergency Medicine
• Austin Hospital: Rapid Assessment of Deteriorating At-risk Residents (RADAR)

QLD

• Princess Alexandra Hospital: Older Person's Emergency Centre
• Royal Brisbane Hospital: Geriatric Emergency Medicine
• Gold Coast University Hospital: Seniors Emergency Department

WA

• Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital: Geriatric Emergency Medicine
• Fiona Stanley Hospital: Older Adult Emergency Centre

SA

• Royal Adelaide Hospital: Geriatric Emergency Medicine
• Flinders Medical Centre: Rapid Assessment Geriatric Unit

What Makes These Services Special for Seniors

• Geriatric specialists on staff
• Longer consultation times
• Medication review services
• Fall prevention assessment
• Cognitive assessment
• Social worker involvement
• Aged care planning
• Family conference arrangements

🏠 AGED CARE CRISIS SUPPORT

Emergency Aged Care Services

My Aged Care: 1800 200 422 Available 24/7 for:

• Emergency respite care
• Crisis accommodation
• Urgent home care packages
• Emergency personal care
• Immediate meal delivery
• Emergency equipment (shower chairs, walkers)

When You Need Emergency Aged Care

Situations requiring immediate help:

• Your carer has suddenly become unavailable
• You've been discharged from hospital with no support
• Your health has suddenly deteriorated
• You're no longer safe living alone
• Family emergency means your support is gone
• Existing care services have broken down

Types of Emergency Aged Care

Emergency Respite Care

What it provides:

• Immediate short-term care (1-14 days)
• Professional carer support
• Personal care assistance
• Meal preparation
• Medication management
• Safety supervision

How to access:

1. Call My Aged Care: 1800 200 422
2. Explain the emergency situation
3. Assessment arranged (usually within 24 hours)
4. Services can start immediately if urgent
5. Long-term solutions arranged while you receive care

Crisis Accommodation for Seniors

Available through:

• Aged care facilities (emergency beds)
• Supported independent living
• Senior-specific crisis housing
• Hospital discharge planning

What's included:

• Safe accommodation
• Meals and personal care
• Medication supervision
• Medical support
• Social activities

💰 FINANCIAL EMERGENCY HELP FOR SENIORS

Centrelink Crisis Payments for Seniors

Age Pension recipients can get:

• Crisis Payment for extreme circumstances
• Advance Payment of Age Pension
• Emergency relief for essential needs

Additional payments available:

• Pharmaceutical Allowance: Help with medicine costs
• Rent Assistance: If paying rent in retirement
• Utilities Allowance: Help with power and gas bills
• Telephone Allowance: Help with phone costs

Senior-Specific Financial Assistance

Commonwealth Seniors Health Card

Benefits for seniors not on Age Pension:

• Cheaper medicines (PBS prices)
• Bulk billing more likely with GPs
• Energy supplements
• Some state government concessions

Pensioner Concession Card Benefits

• Electricity and gas discounts: 20-50% off bills
• Water rates concessions
• Council rates reductions
• Public transport concessions
• Cheaper car registration
• Medicine at PBS concession rates ($7.70 per script)

Emergency Relief for Seniors

Salvation Army Seniors Programs: 13 SALVOS (13 72 58)

• Emergency food packages for seniors
• Utility bill assistance
• Transportation vouchers
• Emergency accommodation help
• Social support and visits

St Vincent de Paul Seniors Support

• Home visits for isolated seniors
• Emergency grocery assistance
• Bill payment help
• Social companionship programs

🤝 SOCIAL ISOLATION AND LONELINESS CRISIS

When Social Isolation Becomes Dangerous

Warning signs needing immediate help:

• Not eating or drinking properly for several days
• Not taking essential medications
• Unable to cope with daily tasks
• Signs of severe depression
• Thoughts of self-harm
• Complete withdrawal from all social contact

Immediate Social Support Services

COTA (Council on the Ageing) Services

Available in all states:

• NSW: 1300 887 123
• VIC: 9909 7888
• QLD: 3316 2999
• WA: 9472 0104
• SA: 8232 0422
• TAS: 6231 3265
• ACT: 6282 3777
• NT: 8941 1004

Services include:

• Telephone friendship services
• Home visiting programs
• Social group referrals
• Transport to activities
• Advocacy and support

Community Visitors Scheme

Free companionship visits:

• Volunteers visit regularly
• Social conversation and activities
• Help with small tasks
• Emotional support
• Connection to other services

Available through:

• Local councils
• Aged care providers
• Community organisations
• Churches and religious groups

Senior Line Services

Telephone support and friendship:

• NSW Senior Line: 1800 451 624
• VIC Senior Line: 1300 135 500
• QLD Seniors Enquiry Line: 1300 135 500
• WA Senior Card Help Line: 1300 364 677

Emergency Social Response

If you're completely isolated:

1. ✅ Call Lifeline: 13 11 14 (24/7 crisis support)
2. ✅ Contact local council seniors services
3. ✅ Call neighbourhood centres
4. ✅ Contact religious organisations (regardless of faith)
5. ✅ Call emergency services if you feel unsafe: 000

🛡️ ELDER ABUSE EMERGENCY RESPONSE

Types of Elder Abuse

Physical abuse: Hitting, pushing, restraining, inappropriate medication Financial abuse: Stealing money, pressuring to change wills, misusing credit cards Emotional abuse: Threats, humiliation, intimidation, isolation Neglect: Not providing necessary care, food, medications, medical attention Sexual abuse: Any unwanted sexual contact or behaviour

Elder Abuse Helpline: 1800 353 374

Available 24/7 for:

• Immediate safety planning
• Crisis intervention
• Legal information and referrals
• Counselling and support
• Reporting processes
• Safe accommodation referrals

State Elder Abuse Services

NSW Elder Abuse Services

Seniors Rights Service: 9281 3600

• Legal assistance for elder abuse
• Financial abuse specialist lawyers
• Advocacy and support
• Court support services

VIC Elder Abuse Services

Seniors Rights Victoria: 1300 368 821

• Legal help and advocacy
• Financial counselling
• Court support
• Safety planning

QLD Elder Abuse Services

Elder Abuse Prevention Unit: 1300 651 192

• Investigation of abuse
• Safety planning
• Legal referrals
• Support services

WA Elder Abuse Services

Advocare: 1800 655 566

• Elder abuse advocacy
• Investigation support
• Legal referrals
• Counselling services

SA Elder Abuse Services

Aged Rights Advocacy Service: 8232 5377

• Legal advocacy
• Abuse investigation support
• Rights information
• Court assistance

Financial Abuse Emergency Response

If your money is being stolen:

1. ✅ Contact your bank immediately to freeze accounts
2. ✅ Call Elder Abuse Helpline: 1800 353 374
3. ✅ Report to police if criminal activity
4. ✅ Get legal advice from Seniors Legal Services
5. ✅ Consider applying for protective orders

Banks have senior abuse protocols - they can:

• Freeze accounts temporarily
• Investigate unusual transactions
• Provide statements showing financial abuse
• Refer to appropriate support services

🚗 TRANSPORT CRISIS FOR SENIORS

When You Can't Get Around

Emergency transport situations:

• Medical appointments you can't reach
• Essential shopping (food, medications)
• Sudden loss of driver's licence
• Family/carer unable to provide transport
• Public transport not accessible due to mobility issues

Emergency Transport Solutions

Community Transport Services

Available in all areas:

• Door-to-door medical transport
• Shopping assistance trips
• Social outings and activities
• Wheelchair accessible vehicles
• Volunteer driver programs

Contact through:

• Local councils
• Community health centres
• My Aged Care
• Community transport organisations

Medical Transport

Patient Transport Services (each state):

• NSW: 1800 043 222
• VIC: 13 12 33
• QLD: 13 HEALTH (13 43 2584)
• WA: 1300 555 788
• SA: 13 14 65

What's covered:

• Medical appointments
• Hospital discharge
• Dialysis treatments
• Chemotherapy appointments
• Emergency non-urgent transport

Ride Share Services for Seniors

Go Get (seniors program): Available in major cities Taxi subsidy schemes: Available in most states for seniors with mobility issues Community ride sharing: Local volunteer driver programs

Driver's Licence Issues

If your licence is suddenly cancelled:

• Appeal processes available through state transport authorities
• Medical review driving assessments
• Occupational therapist driving evaluations
• Alternative transport planning

🍽️ FOOD SECURITY FOR SENIORS

Emergency Food Help

When you can't get groceries:

Meals on Wheels

Available Australia-wide:

• Hot nutritious meals delivered daily
• Emergency meal provision
• Special dietary requirements
• Social contact during delivery
• Available 7 days a week in many areas

Contact through:

• My Aged Care: 1800 200 422
• Local councils
• Meals on Wheels organisations directly

Senior Food Programs

Salvation Army Senior Food Programs:

• Emergency food packages
• Weekly food support
• Fresh food markets for seniors
• Nutrition education

Foodbank Seniors Programs:

• Food parcels suitable for seniors
• Special dietary considerations
• Regular weekly/fortnightly packages

Grocery Shopping Help

When you can't get to shops:

• Coles and Woolworths home delivery
• Online shopping assistance programs
• Volunteer shopping services
• Community shopping bus services
• Personal care workers can shop for you

💊 MEDICATION MANAGEMENT CRISIS

When You Can't Manage Medications

Emergency medication situations:

• Confused about medications
• Running out of essential medicines
• Unable to get to pharmacy
• Medication side effects causing problems
• Can't afford medications

Medication Support Services

Home Medicine Review

Available through GP referral:

• Pharmacist visits your home
• Reviews all medications
• Identifies problems and interactions
• Recommends changes to doctor
• Completely FREE with Medicare

Dose Administration Aids

Webster packs and similar:

• Medications sorted by time/day
• Reduces confusion and missed doses
• Available through most pharmacies
• Can be delivered to your home
• Subsidised for eligible seniors

Emergency Medication Help

If you can't afford medicines:

• Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) - $7.70 per script with Pensioner Concession Card
• Safety Net scheme - free medicines after 60 scripts per year
• Pharmaceutical company compassionate programs
• Community health centre emergency medication supplies

Pharmacy Home Delivery

Most pharmacies offer:

• Free delivery for seniors
• Regular medication deliveries
• Emergency medication supply
• Dosette box preparation
• Medication counselling over phone

🧠 DEMENTIA AND COGNITIVE CRISIS

Dementia Australia Helpline: 1800 100 500

24/7 support for:

• Dementia behaviour management
• Crisis support for families
• Emergency respite care
• Safety planning
• Memory concerns assessment

When Dementia Becomes a Crisis

Situations needing immediate help:

• Person with dementia becomes aggressive or agitated
• Wandering behaviour creating safety risks
• Carer breakdown or exhaustion
• Medication refusal causing health risks
• Social isolation leading to neglect

Dementia-Specific Services

Emergency Respite for Dementia

Available through:

• Aged care facilities with dementia units
• In-home dementia care specialists
• Day centres with dementia programs
• 24/7 dementia behaviour support

Dementia Behaviour Support

Severe Behaviour Response Teams:

• Crisis intervention for challenging behaviours
• Medication review and adjustment
• Environment modification advice
• Carer support and education
• 24/7 phone support

Memory Assessment Services

If you're concerned about memory:

• Memory clinics (available in all capital cities)
• GP cognitive assessments
• Aged Care Assessment Teams
• Neuropsychological testing
• Dementia diagnostic services

🏡 HOUSING CRISIS FOR SENIORS

Emergency Accommodation for Seniors

When you can't stay in your home:

Aged Care Emergency Accommodation

• Crisis beds in aged care facilities
• Short-term supported accommodation
• Transition from hospital
• Emergency placement while seeking permanent housing

Senior Housing Services

State housing authorities provide:

• Senior-specific public housing
• Supported independent living
• Retirement village information
• Housing modification grants
• Emergency accommodation assistance

Home Safety Crisis

When your home becomes unsafe:

• Emergency home modifications
• Assistive equipment installation
• Safety assessment services
• Emergency cleaning services
• Pest control assistance

Home Modification Services

Available through My Aged Care:

• Shower and bathroom modifications
• Ramp installation
• Stair lift installation
• Grab rail installation
• Emergency safety equipment

🔧 UTILITY AND MAINTENANCE EMERGENCIES

When Essential Services Fail

Emergency utility situations:

• Power or gas disconnection
• Water service problems
• Heating or cooling system failure
• Essential appliance breakdown
• Home security issues

Utility Emergency Help for Seniors

Priority customer programs:

• Register with utility companies as priority customer
• Faster reconnection services
• Emergency contact protocols
• Medical equipment power requirements
• Extreme weather protection

Concessions and Hardship Programs

All states offer senior utility concessions:

• Electricity discounts (typically 20-50%)
• Gas discounts
• Water rate concessions
• Emergency financial assistance
• Payment plan arrangements

Home Maintenance Emergencies

When urgent repairs are needed:

• Emergency tradesperson referrals
• Financial assistance for repairs
• Government home modification schemes
• Community volunteer repair services
• Priority repair services for seniors

📞 ADVOCACY AND RIGHTS PROTECTION

Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission

1800 951 822 For complaints about:

• Aged care services
• Neglect or abuse in aged care
• Poor quality care
• Unsafe conditions
• Medication errors

Aged Care Advocacy Services

Free independent advocacy:

• Help resolving aged care complaints
• Support during investigations
• Rights information and education
• System navigation assistance

National Aged Care Advocacy Program

Available in all areas:

• Independent advocates
• Free services
• Confidential support
• Rights protection
• Complaint assistance

Public Guardian Services

For seniors who can't make decisions:

• Guardianship applications
• Financial management
• Medical decision making
• Protective interventions

📱 TECHNOLOGY HELP FOR SENIORS

Emergency Communication Devices

Personal alarms and emergency devices:

• Medical alert pendants
• GPS tracking devices for dementia
• Smartphone emergency apps
• Voice-activated emergency systems
• Home monitoring systems

Tech Support for Seniors

When technology fails in crisis:

• Community technology support
• Telstra Priority Assist for essential services
• NBN priority repair for medical equipment
• Emergency communication alternatives

🔄 COMPREHENSIVE SENIOR CRISIS RESPONSE PLAN

Creating Your Emergency Plan

Essential information to have ready:

1. ✅ Emergency contact list (family, friends, neighbours)
2. ✅ Medical information (conditions, medications, allergies)
3. ✅ Healthcare providers contact details
4. ✅ Insurance information
5. ✅ Bank and financial information
6. ✅ Legal documents location (will, power of attorney)
7. ✅ Aged care preferences
8. ✅ Pet care arrangements

Emergency Contact List for Seniors

Keep these numbers accessible:

• Emergency Services: 000
• Elder Abuse Helpline: 1800 353 374
• My Aged Care: 1800 200 422
• Dementia Australia: 1800 100 500
• Lifeline: 13 11 14
• Your GP and pharmacy
• Local council seniors services
• Trusted family member or friend
• Your aged care provider (if you have one)

Warning Sign Checklist

Get help immediately if you experience:

• ✅ Unable to manage daily activities for several days
• ✅ Not eating or drinking properly
• ✅ Medication confusion causing problems
• ✅ Social isolation causing depression
• ✅ Financial problems affecting basic needs
• ✅ Safety concerns in your home
• ✅ Abuse or exploitation by others
• ✅ Cognitive changes affecting safety

📞 SENIOR EMERGENCY CONTACTS - SAVE THESE

Crisis Support:

• 000: Police, Ambulance, Fire
• Elder Abuse Helpline: 1800 353 374
• My Aged Care: 1800 200 422
• Dementia Australia: 1800 100 500
• Lifeline: 13 11 14

Health Support:

• healthdirect: 1800 022 222
• Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636
• SANE Australia: 1800 18 7263
• Poisons Information: 13 11 26

Services:

• Centrelink: 132 300
• Medicare: 132 011
• National Debt Helpline: 1800 007 007

Your Local Services:

• Council seniors services: [Look up your local council]
• Community health centre: [Find through healthdirect.gov.au]
• COTA (your state): [See numbers in guide above]

🔄 WHAT TO DO RIGHT NOW

If you're a senior in immediate crisis:

1. ✅ Call 000 if you're in physical danger
2. ✅ Call Elder Abuse Helpline: 1800 353 374 if being abused
3. ✅ Call My Aged Care: 1800 200 422 for care crisis
4. ✅ Don't try to handle everything alone - ask for help
5. ✅ Contact family, friends, or neighbours who can assist

If you're concerned about an elderly person:

1. ✅ Check on them regularly
2. ✅ Look for warning signs of crisis
3. ✅ Help them connect to appropriate services
4. ✅ Call Elder Abuse Helpline if you suspect abuse
5. ✅ Don't ignore your concerns - it's better to check

For ongoing support:

1. ✅ Register with My Aged Care: 1800 200 422
2. ✅ Apply for all eligible Centrelink payments and concessions
3. ✅ Connect with local senior services and groups
4. ✅ Create emergency contact list and care plan
5. ✅ Build social connections to prevent isolation

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👵👴 REMEMBER: YOU DESERVE HELP AND RESPECT

Age is not a barrier to getting help:

• You have the right to live safely and with dignity
• Help is available specifically for seniors and elderly people
• Your experience and wisdom are valued
• It's never too late to make changes that improve your life
• You deserve to be treated with respect and kindness

You are not a burden:

• Asking for help is normal and necessary
• Many services exist specifically to support seniors
• Your needs are important and valid
• Professional help is available when family can't provide support
• Community support recognises your contributions to society

Your safety and wellbeing matter:

• No one has the right to abuse, neglect, or exploit you
• You deserve to live free from fear and harm
• Help is available to protect you and your rights
• It's never too late to escape an abusive situation
• Your life has value regardless of your age or circumstances

You are part of a community that cares about you.

Last Updated: August 28, 2025
Service Information Last Verified: August 2025

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This guide provides general information only. Services and eligibility can change. Contact services directly for current information and personalised support tailored to your specific needs.